4 Ideas for Madison Stay-cations

June 29, 2008 9:07 pm

Or . . . something to do with your guests when they come to town!
Have historic high gas prices, area flooding and closed highways put a damper on your family’s vacation plans? Don’t cancel your vacation, but instead have a Madison STAY-CATION!

Madison has one of the best parks systems in the nation with 270 parks and 6100 acres. Madison parks offer one public swimming pool, 10 beaches, 4 premiere golf courses, award-winning Olbrich Botanical Gardens & Warner Park Community-Recreation Center, 4 off-leash dog exercise areas, and 14 conservation parks with over 20 miles of hiking trails. Madison Parks has something for everyone!!

GOLFING

Madison STAY-CATION
1, 2, 3, FORE Premiere Golf Courses!

Glenway – This lush 9-hole course is suited for any golfer; whether you’re a regular on the green, swinging a club for the first time, or somewhere in between! PGA Professional Bill Scheer serves as director of the course and has helped tremendously in building the course’s upstanding reputation over the years. Don’t forget to stop by the Pro Shop and pick up the latest golfing gear or sign up for lessons with qualified golf instructors!

Glenway Golf Course
3747 Speedway Road
Madison, WI 53705
(608) 266-4737
Hours: 6:30am-7pm Sun-Sat

Monona¬ – Want to play on the same course as golf greats Steve Stricker or Jerry Kelley? Come play on the Monona Golf Course located on Madison’s eastside, across from the scenic Lake Monona! This 9-regulation hole course features all natural grass tees along with a clubhouse that has all of the amenities. Come to the Pro Shop and let PGA Professional Rob Muranyi take care of all your golfing needs from apparel to equipment.
Monona Golf Course
111 East Dean Avenue
Madison, WI 53716
(608) 266-4736
Hours: 6:00am-Dark
Odana Hills – A popular course on the westside and home to several major city tournaments throughout the year, the Odana Hills Golf Course is the place to be among golfers of any level! Conveniently located just off the Beltline Highway, this course continues to attract a large daily crowd with its long greens and driving ranges! Within the course’s clubhouse you’ll find everything you need from dining services, changing facilities, and of course a Pro Shop where PGA Professional Thomas Benson can help you achieve that perfect swing!
Odana Hills Golf Course
18-Hole Regulation Course
4635 Odana Road
Madison, WI 53711
Hours: 6am-7pm Sun-Sat

Yahara Hills – Did you know that the 1977 Women’s Amateur Public Links Championship game was played at the Yahara Hills Golf Course? This course has served as the host to numerous tournaments at both state and national levels, and features a 40,000 square ft practice area. As Madison’s largest facility with two18 hole courses, stay-cationers will have the chance to play on spacious greens with breathtaking views. Tom Rechlicz, is a PGA Professional head at the Pro Shop that features a “Free Demo Program” where people can try out the latest golf clubs!

Yahara Hills Golf Course
36-Hole Regulation Course
6701 E. Broadway
Madison, WI 53716
TEL: (608) 838-3126
Hours: 6:34- until dark Sun-Sat

*Each of the courses offers a variety of annual and season passes, special discounts for seniors at excellent rates, and lessons for all ages!*

ENJOY NATURE

Madison STAY-CATION
Discover Madison’s Wildside

Madison STAY-CATION Package – Discover Madison’s Wildside
If your family’s vacations involve hiking, birding, and quiet back to nature time, look no further than your own backyard. Madison Parks has 14 conservation park encompassing 1500 acres, and 20 miles of hiking trails. Each park offers its own unique features and views of Madison.

All of the parks can be accessed by bicycle and most by metro bus.

Get outside with your family and discover a side of Madison – Discover Madison’s Wildside!

Cherokee Marsh
North Unit
6098 North Sherman Avenue
(3.4 miles of trails)
South Unit
5002 School
(3.1 miles of trails)
Lake Mendota Unit
104 W. Sauthoff Road
(0.6 miles of trails)
Strategically located at the heard of Madison’s lakes, Cherokee Marsh acts as a living sponge. It filters upland runoff, using excess fertilizer to grow marsh plants, and slowly releasing cleaner water to the lakes below. The marsh is used by thousands of students each year for environmental education.
(Total for all units – 1210 acres)

Edna Taylor Conservation Park
802 Femrite Drive
A glacial drumlin rising above a broad ribbon of marsh forms the backbone of this southeast Madison park. Ongoing projects include oak savanna and wetland restoration. Nearby Glendale School and Leopold Nature Center use it extensively for environmental education.
(1.3 miles of trails on 56 acres)

Elvehjem Sanctuary
1314 Painted Post Drive
Located within Elvehjem Park, the Sanctuary is a red oak-basswood forest on a northwest-facing hillside with exposed sandstone bedrock. Trails through Acewood Greenway connect the Sanctuary to Heritage Prairie.
(1.2 miles of trails on 9 acres)

Heritage Sanctuary
600 Meadowlark Drive
At peak trillium bloom in mid-May, Heritage Sanctuary is unequaled. Under an oak forest canopy lays a wildflower carpet more typical of a maple forest. The winding trail takes you through this unusual woodland community.
(0.5 miles of trails on 8.5 acres)

Heritage Prairie
5415 Queensbridge Road
In contrast to the rich woods of Heritage Sanctuary is Heritage Prairie, one-half mile southeast. Although grazed, a remnant of dry prairie persisted on a thin layer of soil over the rocky hillside. This area also features some picturesque open-grown Bur Oaks.
(12 acres)

Hiestand Woods
4302 Milwaukee Street
Large red oaks dominate this wooded park located on a northern slope. Trilliums cover the ground with a blanket of white during May.
(0.3 miles of trails on 11 acres)

Kettle Pond
5805 Old Middleton Road
The retreat of the glacier 10,000 years ago left many ‘kettle holes’ in the Madison area. A pond surrounded by woods provides habitat for a variety of wildlife in this small park.
(0.4 miles of trails on 8 acres)

Knollwood Park
3334 Westview Lane
Black oaks are the dominant tree on this sandy knoll. A diverse 2-acre sand prairie lies below. It forms part of the connecting link between Aldo Leopold School and the Nine Springs E-Way.
(0.75 miles of trails on 14 acres)

Owen Conservation Park
6021 Old Sauk Road
On a hilltop overlooking Madison’s west side, this park was the farm and personal retreat of former University Professor Edward T. Owen. Today, prairies and oak savannas have risen like a phoenix to reclaim the landscape. Coneflowers, goldenrod and bluestem are among the many plants that yield a harvest of ever-changing color and texture throughout the year.
(3.4 miles of trails on 93 acres)

Paunack (A.O.) Park
6399 Bridge Road
One of the last marshes on Lake Monona, this park is located on Squaw Bay at the Yahara River outlet. It is one feature of the bicycle trail circling Lake Monona.

Prairie Ridge
2406 Berkley Drive
The major feature in this park is a diverse prairie remnant located on a steep slope. This park is part of an open space corridor that eventually will be linked to the National Ice Age Trail.
(0.8 miles of trails on 48 acres)

Sandburg Woods
2902 Independence Lane
Adjacent to Sandburg School, this park contains a rich diversity of oak woodland wild flowers. It is part of a parkway strip. From the trails there is evidence of the July 1991 windstorm that blew down many large trees. These canopy openings will provide space for a new generation of oak and hickory trees.
(0.3 miles of trails on 20 acres)

Stricker’s Pond
7214 Longmeadow Road
This glacial “kettle pond” is an excellent place to view migrating waterfowl during spring and fall. The adjacent woods and restored prairie provide a diverse habitat for a variety of wildlife.
(0.8 miles of trails on 14 acres in Middleton and Madison)

Turville Point Park
1156 Olin Turville Court
This 65-acre natural gem borders the shores of Lake Monona, a short walk from downtown. Large red, bur and white oaks provide the canopy under which a variety of spring wildflowers bloom. A 7-acres prairie opening adds to the diversity of the site.
(3.1 miles of trails on 65 acres)

GET WET!
Of course, you’ll want to avoid the Monona Lake Beaches.

STAY-CATION Package #1 – Ready, Set – Get Wet!
We’ve waited a long time for summer to arrive. And now we’re ready to dive in! Madison Parks offers a variety of places for Madisonians to cool off and get wet!

Get Wet #1 – Goodman Pool – Madison’s first public swimming pool opened in 2006. Madison families have been riding the ‘waves’ of fun ever since! Families have discovered the tremendous value of the pool. A family season membership is only $145. That comes to $13 a week!

Stay-Cationers at Goodman Pool will enjoy the 1000 person capacity, 2 waterslides, 8 lane 25-meter lap area with diving boards, and a number of shallow water play features for pre-school aged children, The pool area is complete with a sand play area, concessions, and family changing rooms. It’s a great place to spend your summer!

To save even more money on gas, take Madison Metro bus #13 to the pool, or ride your bike! The pool is right off of the Wingra Creek bike trail and has ample space to park and lock your bike.

Goodman Pool, 325 Olin Ave., 264-9292 www.cityofmadison.com/parks/pool
Open/Family Swim Times, Monday-Friday Days 12:30p.m.-4:30p.m.
Monday-Friday Evenings, 6:15p.m.-8:00p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, Noon-7:00p.m.

Daily Admission: Youth, 1-18, $2.50, Adult $4.00

Get Wet #2 – Cypress SprayPark – Located on Madison’s south side, on the corner of Cypress Way and Magnolia Lane, the spray park offers families and kids a fun, safe and cost-free place to meet friends and … get wet! Get really wet! It opened in 2007 to rave reviews. Thousands of children cooled off last summer under the cascading water features, and spray features.

Located only a 1.5 blocks from the south side metro transfer point, this spraypark is the perfect place for families to save money, gas and have a great time!

Cypress SprayPark, 902 Magnolia Lane, Madison
Hours, open daily through Labor Day from 11:00a.m. – 7:00p.m.

Get Wet #3 – Public Beaches
As a city uniquely built on an isthmus, Madison is surrounded by 15,429 acres of sparkling lakes. The Madison Parks Division has 13 public beaches, 10 of which have lifeguard services. Each beach provides a unique view of Lake Monona, Lake Mendota or Lake Wingra. Bring a picnic, a blanket and your sunscreen!

The Public Health Department monitors the daily condition of the beaches. Please be sure to check their website for daily closings and conditions reports.

Major Beaches, Daily Hours 11:00a.m. – 7:00p.m.
• BB Clarke Beach, 835 Spaight Street
• Olbrich Beach, 3527 Atwood Ave.
• Tenney Beach, 1254 Sherman Ave.
• Vilas Beach, 1339 Vilas Park Drive

Smaller Beaches, Daily Hours, 12:30p.m.-4:30p.m.
• Bernies Beach, 901 Gilson Street
• Esther Beach, 2802 Waunona Way
• James Madison Beach, 614 E. Gorham Street
• Spring Harbor Beach, 1918 Norman Way
• Olin Beach, 1155 Olin-Turville Court
• Warner Beach, 1101 Woodward Drive

MUSIC

Madison STAY-CATION Package #2 – The Parks are Alive with the Sound of Music
A perfect summer evening in Madison Parks? How about getting outside, hanging out with friends and family, spreading out a picnic on a blanket and listening to a free concert.

We are very fortunate in Madison. Madison Parks offer a week’s worth of free concerts for families to enjoy during their Madison STAY-CATION. See below for an example Madison STAY-CATION package for the week of July 7-13.

Weekly Free Concerts in Madison Parks
Mondays, June 16, 23, 30 and July 14, 21 28, 6:00p.m.-7:30p.m.
Warner Park Concerts, sponsored by North Eastside Senior Coalition
Warner Park Shelter, corner of Sherman Ave. and Northport Drive

Tuesdays, June 3 – July 29, 7:00p.m. Concerts in the Gardens
Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave.

Wednesdays, June 25 – July 30, 7:00p.m.
Concerts on the Square, Capitol Square

Wednesday, August 6 – September 3, 5:00p.m.
Jazz at Five
100 Block State Street

Thursdays, June 5 – August 28, 7:00p.m.
Capitol City Band Concert
Rennebohm Park, 115 N. Eau Claire Street

Thursday, July 3 – August 14, 7:15p.m.
Back Porch Concerts
Dean House, 4718 Monona Drive

Saturdays, June 7 – August 30, 1:00p.m. – 3:00p.m.
Folk on State
500 Block State Street, Peace Park

Saturdays, April 26 – November 1, various times
Dane County Farmers’ Market on the Capitol Square
Various local musicians set up a chair and donation box.

Special Events in Parks with music
June Events
June 7-8 – Marquette Waterfront Festival, Yahara Place Park
June 14 – Jazz in the Park, Wingra Park
June 21 – Blues Picnic, Warner Park
June 28 – Rhythm & Booms, Warner Park

July Events
July 12-13 – Art Fair on the Square, Capitol Square
July 18-20 – Maxwell Street Days, State Street
July 26 – Opera in the Park, Garner Park
July 26 – Fiesta Hispana, Warner Park

August Events
August 16 – Africa Fest, Warner Park
August 22-24 – Orton Park Festival, Orton Park
August 30-31 – Taste of Madison, Capitol Square

Madison STAY-CATION Example for the week of Tuesday, July 8- Monday July 14

Tuesday, July 8 – pack a picnic, and a blanket and ride your bike out to Olbrich Botanical Garden for Concerts in the Garden. Today’s performance by Claudia Russell, eclectic folk music.

Wednesday, July 9 – Pack another picnic from the yummy finds at the Wednesday Farmers Market, bring a bottle of wine, and a blanket and enjoy the music of the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra while lounging on the Capitol Grounds. This week’s highlights are Sound the Trumpet, Ryan Anthony.

Thursday, July 10 – What to do? Two great concerts to choose from! East siders can enjoy the Back Porch Concerts at the Dean House on Monona Drive next to Monona Golf Course. (Heck, come early and play 9 holes!) Westsiders can enjoy the Capitol City Band Concert at Rennebohm Park. Come early with the kids and let them climb on the new climbing net in the playground.

Friday, July 11 –Make your own music in your neighborhood park. Invite your neighbors and your friends to your neighborhood park for an impromptu jam session. Who knows – maybe you’ll meet a new neighbor or discover a new talent!

Saturday, July 12 – Head downtown for a full day of music fun. Art Fair on the Square has 2 stages for music. After the Art Fair, enjoy a free concert at Peace Park, 500 block of State Street for Folk on State. Today’s artists are Matt Watroba and Tret Fure.

Sunday, July 13 – Enjoy another fun-filled day at Art Fair on the Square.

Monday, July 14 – Pack a picnic, grab a blanket and a friend and go to Warner Park for the Warner Park Concerts. Concerts are at the shelter. They begin at 6p.m. Today’s performance is by Kydd and Byrd.